Retaining device

ABSTRACT

A retaining device is particularly suited for suspending an electrical extension cord from a support. The retaining device features an elastomeric body section. A first holder suspends the retaining device from the support and features a base disposed at a first end of the elastomeric body and a flexible strap. The strap is wrapped around the support and secured to the base. A second holder suspends the electrical cord and features a base secured to a second end of the elastomeric body having at least one arm extending outwardly and generally towards the base. The arms define a channel size and shaped to accept the electrical cord. According to one embodiment, the second holder features at least two arms and at least two channels. Alternatively, the second holder features a single arm that is either biased towards the base or includes a flexible strap that engages the base.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to retaining devices and more particularly, relates to retaining devices having a first end adapted to be secured to a first object and a second end adapted to hold a second object.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A common device for suspending or holding a first object to another object is a bungee cord. The traditional bungee cord includes a length of resilient, stretchable material (such as rubber) having metal hooks disposed at each end. While generally effective, traditional bungee cords suffer from several disadvantages.

One disadvantage of the traditional bungee cords is that the hook design is often limited by size and is awkward and difficult to secure around many objects. For example, in order to secure a traditional bungee cord to a 2×4 piece of wood, the bungee cord must be wrapped around the 2×4 and the hook placed around the cord. This significantly reduces the overall length of the bungee cord, especially on larger piece of wood. Moreover, the hooks commonly come loose when under tension and can easily cause serious injury.

Another problem associates with traditional bungee cords is that the metal hooks are conductive. This is obviously problematic when used around electrical sources. Additionally, the metal hook is susceptible to corrosion, particularly in marine environments.

Moreover, the design of the hook does not allow it to easily secure small objects such as electrical extension cords, ropes, cables, and the like. While these objects typically fit within the hook, the hook does not prevent the object from moving or sliding relative to the bungee cord. This is particularly problematic when used to secure an electrical extension cord above a water source.

According, there exists a need for a retaining device that overcomes the disadvantages of the known bungee cord devices. The device should preferably include two ends that are easily secured around a wide variety of objects. Additionally, the device should preferably not be conductive or corrosive. Finally, the device should preferably prevent small objects from moving or sliding while being suspended.

It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note that the present invention is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, the present invention features a retaining device including a body made from an elastomeric material and a first and a second holder disposed proximate a first and a second end of the body, respectively. The first holder includes a first means for securing the first holder to a first object and the second holder includes a second means for securing the second holder to a second object.

The first means for securing the first holder to a first object preferably includes a first base adapted to be secured to the first end of the body, a flexible strap extending outwardly from the first base, and means for securing the flexible strap to the first base. The means for securing the flexible strap to the first base preferably include a plurality of apertures sized and shaped to fit at least partially around at least one protrusion.

The second means for securing preferably includes a second base adapted to be secured to the second end of the body. At least one arm extends outwardly from the second base and towards the second end of the body. At least one cavity is disposed between the at least one arm and the second base. The cavity is sized and shaped to accept the second object.

According to one embodiment, the second holder features at least two arms. The two arms are disposed substantially parallel to each other and define a first and a second cavity, respectively, or at an angle less than 180 degrees with respect to each other and define a first and a second cavity, respectively.

Alternatively, the second holder features a single arm. In the preferred embodiment, the second holder includes at least one strap extending outwardly from a distal end of the arm and means for securing the strap to the second base. In another embodiment, the second holder includes a biasing region. The biasing region biases at least a portion of the arm proximate the second base.

The retaining device optionally includes means for adjusting the separation between the first and the second holder. The means includes a cavity disposed through the second base sized and shaped to accept the body and means for locking the position of second holder relative to the body (for example a clamp or the like).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of one embodiment of the retaining device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of one embodiment of the first holder of the retaining device according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is top plan view of one embodiment of the second holder of the retaining device according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is top plan view of a another embodiment of second holder of the retaining device according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is top plan view of a further embodiment of second holder of the retaining device according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is side plan view of yet another embodiment of second holder of the retaining device including a flexible strap according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is side plan view of yet a further embodiment of second holder of the retaining device having a biasing portion according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is side plan view of yet another embodiment of second holder of the retaining device for adjusting the length of the retaining device according to the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a side plan view of a further embodiment of the second holder of the retaining device having a notched region and a window.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to one embodiment, the present invention features a retaining device 10, FIG. 1, includes a first and a second holder 14, 16 disposed at opposite ends 11, 13 of a body 12 for securing a first object 6 (such as, but not limited to, a cable, wire, rope, or the like) to a second object 5 such as, but not limited to, a wood support or the like. The first and second holder 14, 16 are preferably made from a non-corrosive and non-conductive material such as plastic, rubber, or the like. For illustrative purposes only, and not intended to be a limitation of the present invention unless otherwise specifically claimed as such, the retaining device 10 will be described wherein the first object 6 is a wire and the second object 5 is a wood stud.

The body 12 of the retaining device 10 is made from a flexible material. In the preferred embodiment, the body 12 includes an elastomeric material such as, but not limited to, rubber, polyurethane, or multi-strand elastomeric materials. The length and thickness of the body 12 will depend on the intended application and is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. The body 12 may optionally be color-coded for various applications to aid the identification of the second object 6.

The first holder 14 includes any device known to those skilled in the art for securing the retaining device to the wood stud 5. In the preferred embodiment, the first holder 14 includes a base 21 molded, mounted, bonded, fastened, or otherwise secured to the first end 11 of the body 12. Extending outwardly from the base 21 is a flexible strap or tongue 18. The strap 18 and the base 21 include locking devices 32 for securing the strap 18 to the base 21. The locking devices 32 include any device known to those skilled in the art such as hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, clamps, magnets, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the locking devices 32 allow the length of the strap 18 to be adjusted to fit snuggly over a wide variety of objects 5.

For example, the locking devices 32 may include a plurality of apertures 20 disposed along the strap 18. The apertures 20 are sized and shaped to fit around one or more protrusions 22 extending outwardly from the base 21. In use, the strap 18 is wrapped around at least a portion of the first object 5. Once the desired fit is achieved, one or more of the apertures 20 is placed over at least one of the protrusions 22. The apertures 20 preferably stretch slightly such that they fit snuggly over the protrusions 22. The protrusions 22 preferably have a mushroom-like shape as is well known to those skilled in the art. Of course, the arrangement of the apertures 20 and the protrusions 22 could be switched. Other possible locking devices 32 are also possible and are considered within the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specifically limited.

As discussed above, the first holder 14 may include any device known to those skilled in the art for securing the retaining device to the first object 5. For example, the first holder 14, FIG. 2, may include a hook 34. Alternatively, the first holder 14 may include a magnet or the like.

The second holder 16, FIG. 1, includes any device known to those skilled in the art for securing the retaining device to the second device 6. In the preferred embodiment, the second holder 16 includes a base 26 molded, mounted, bonded, fastened, or otherwise secured to the second end 13 of the body 12. Two or more arms 28 extend outwardly from a first and a second generally opposite side of the bottom of the base 26 and generally towards the top of the base 26.

Between the arms 28 and the base 26 of the second holder 16 is a first and a second channel, slot, or cavity 30. The channels 30 define a pathway through the second holder 16 sized and shaped to accept the second object 6 and hold is snuggly. According to one embodiment, the arms 28, FIG. 3 are disposed In the preferred embodiment, the

Referring specifically to FIG. 3, the second holder 16 forms a generally “T” or “golf putter” shape. The arms 28 extend outwardly generally parallel to each other. Alternatively, the arms 28, FIG. 4, of the second holder 16 are disposed at an angle A less than 180 degrees. This embodiment is particularly useful for small diameter objects 6. While the second holder 16 has been described having two arms 28, this is not a limitation of the present invention. For illustrative purposes only, the second holder 16, FIG. 5, may have four arms 28 extending outwardly from the base 26 adapted to support two-second objects 6. This is particularly useful for use with objects 6 having two different diameters.

According to another embodiment, the second holder 16, FIG. 6, includes a base 26 and at least one arm 28 extending outwardly from the base 26. A flexible strap 36, similar to the strap 18 described above, extends outwardly from a distal end 37 of the arm 28 and is secured to the base 26 by locking devices 40. The arm 28 and the strap 36 form a retaining area 38 sized and shaped to retain the second object 6. In the preferred embodiment, the size and shape of the retaining area 38 is such that the strap 36 aids in preventing the object 6 from moving relative to the retaining device 10.

In a further embodiment, the second holder 16, FIG. 9, includes at least one window 81 disposed in at least one arm 28. The window 81 includes a retaining tab or peg 83, preferably extending generally upwards. The window 81 and tab 83 are sized and shaped to accept at least a portion of an object 6 being suspended (for example, but not limited to, an electrical cord or the like). In practice, the cord 6 is inserted into the window 81 and around the tab 83 and is held in place by the tab 83. The window 81 may be disposed through the entire thickness of the arm 28 or alternatively may only be disposed partially within the arm 28.

The arm 28 of the second holder 16 may also include a notched region 85. The notched region 85 is sized and shaped to frictionally accept a cord 6 or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the notched region 85 is slightly flexible such that the edges 87 of the notched region 85 may be slightly displaced. Multiple notches may be provided in one or more arms 28.

The length of the strap 36 may be adjusted such that the size and shape of the retaining area 38 fits a wide variety of objects 6. The locking devices 40 is preferably similar to the locking device 32 described above, and preferably includes a plurality of apertures 42 sized and shaped to fit over at least a portion of a protrusion 44.

According to a further embodiment, the second holder 16, FIG. 7, includes a base 26 and at least one arm 28 extending outwardly and forms a retaining area 46 between the base 26 and the arm 28 sized and shaped to retain the object 6. At least a portion of the distal end of the arm 28 is biased towards the base 26. In the preferred embodiment, the size and shape of the retaining area 46 is such that the biasing of the arm 28 aids in preventing the object 6 from moving relative to the retaining device 10. The distal end 37 of the arm 28 also preferably has a shape that facilitates the placement of the object 6 into the retaining area 46. In the preferred embodiment, the distal end 37 is curved away from the base 26, though other shapes are possible.

According to yet a further embodiment, the length of the retaining device 10, FIG. 8, is adjustable. According to the preferred embodiment, the second holder 16 includes a cavity 50 through which the body 12 extends. In use, length of the retaining device 10 is adjusted by moving the body 12 through the cavity 50 of the second holder 16 and locking the second holder 16 into place using a locking mechanism 52. The locking mechanism 52 may include any device known to those skilled in the art for preventing the movement of the second holder 16 relative to the body 12. In the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism 52 includes one or more clamps or jaws 54. The clamps or jaws 54 are biased towards engagement with the body 12 and create a force preventing the second holder 16 from moving in at least the direction of arrow B.

Other locking mechanisms 52 such as slip locks, pressure fittings, and the like are also envisioned. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that the first holder 14 may optionally include the above structure such that the length of the retaining device 10 may also be adjusted on either end 11, 13 of the body 12.

Accordingly, the retaining device of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the known bungee cord devices. The retaining device is easily secured around a wide variety of objects and is particularly suited for supporting small diameter objects. Additionally, the retaining device prevents small objects from moving or sliding while being suspended and is non-corrosive and non-conducting.

As mentioned above, the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated or implied object or feature of the invention and should not be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as is suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the claims when interpreted in accordance with breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled. 

1. A retaining device comprising: a body made from an elastomeric material; a first holder disposed proximate a first end of said body, said first holder including a first means for securing said first holder to a first object; and a second holder disposed proximate a second end of said body, said second holder including a second means for securing said second holder to a second object.
 2. The retaining device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first means for securing said first holder to a first object includes: a first base adapted to be secured to said first end of said body; a flexible strap extending outwardly from said first base; and means for securing said flexible strap to said first base.
 3. The retaining device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said means for securing said flexible strap to said first base includes a plurality of apertures sized and shaped to fit at least partially around at least one protrusion.
 4. The retaining device as claimed in claim 3 wherein said plurality of apertures are disposed along said flexible strap and wherein said at least one protrusion is disposed on said first base.
 5. The retaining device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second means for securing includes: a second base adapted to be secured to said second end of said body; at least one arm extending outwardly from said second base and towards said second end of said body; and at least one cavity disposed between said at least one arm and said second base, said at least one cavity sized and shaped to accept said second object.
 6. The retaining device as claimed in claim 5 further including at least two arms, said at least two arms disposed substantially parallel to each other and defining a first and a second cavity, respectively.
 7. The retaining device as claimed in claim 5 further including at least two arms, said at least two arms disposed at an angle less than 180 degrees with respect to each other and defining a first and a second cavity, respectively.
 8. The retaining device as claimed in claim 5 further including at least one strap extending outwardly from a distal end of said at least one arm and means for securing said strap to said second base.
 9. The retaining device as claimed in claim 5 further including a biasing region, said biasing region biasing at least a portion of said arm proximate said second base.
 10. The retaining device as claimed in claim 1 further including means for adjusting the separation between said first and said second holder.
 11. The retaining device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said means for adjusting further includes: a cavity disposed through said second base, said cavity sized and shaped to accept said body; and means for locking the position of second holder relative to said body.
 12. The retaining device as claimed in claim 10 wherein said means for locking includes at least one clamp biased against said body.
 13. A retaining device comprising: a body made from an elastomeric material; a first holder disposed proximate a first end of said body, said first holder including a first means for securing said first holder to a first object; and a second holder disposed proximate a second end of said body, said second holder including: a first base adapted to be secured to said second end of said body; at least one arm extending outwardly from said first base and towards said second end of said body; and at least one cavity disposed between said at least one arm and said first base, said at least one cavity sized and shaped to accept a second object.
 14. The retaining device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said first means for securing includes: a second base adapted to be secured to said second end of said body; a flexible strap extending outwardly from said second base; and means for securing said flexible strap to said second base.
 15. The retaining device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said second holder further includes at least two arms, said at least two arms disposed substantially parallel to each other and defining a first and a second cavity, respectively.
 16. The retaining device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said second holder further includes at least two arms, said at least two arms disposed at an angle less than 180 degrees with respect to each other and defining a first and a second cavity, respectively.
 17. The retaining device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said second holder further includes at least one strap extending outwardly from a distal end of said at least one arm and means for securing said strap to said first base.
 18. The retaining device as claimed in claim 13 further including a biasing region, said biasing region biasing at least a portion of said arm proximate said second base.
 19. The retaining device as claimed in claim 1 further including means for adjusting the separation between said first and said second holder.
 20. A retaining device for suspending a first object from a second object, said retaining device comprising: an elastomeric body having a first and a second oppositely disposed end; a first holder including: a first base adapted to be disposed proximate said first end of said elastomeric body; a strap extending outwardly from said first base; and means for securing said strap to said first base; and a second holder including: a second base adapted to be disposed proximate said second end of said elastomeric body; and a first and at least a second arm extending outwardly and generally towards said second base and defining a first and a second cavity sized and shaped to accept said second object.
 21. The retaining device as claimed in claim 19 wherein said means for securing said strap to said first base includes at least one protrusion and a plurality of apertures sized and shaped to fit around at least a portion of said at least one protrusion.
 22. The retaining device as claimed in claim 19 wherein at least one of said arms includes a window region extending at least partially into said at least one arm, wherein said window further includes a retaining tab.
 23. The retaining device as claimed in claim 19 wherein at least one of said arms includes a notched region. 